John 16-21

In the way John accounts the events of the Passion, John emphasizes Jesus’ acceptance of his suffering. During his arrest he is very honest about his identity and asks Peter not to defend him. Jesus is undeniably himself and does not attempt to conceal his identity or his teachings. John’s account of the Passion also emphasizes how Jesus took on most of is suffering completely alone because he was betrayed by his disciples and the Jews. They often mocked him for his identity as a “king”. Another theme I noticed in John’s account of the Passion was the power of mob mentality. The “mob” left Peter feeling like he needed to betray Jesus and left Pilate feeling helpless in his defense of Jesus. Some particular phrases that I find important are in 19:21-22. I thought it was interesting how Pilate justified his writing of King of the Jews above Jesus’ head on the cross with the statement, “What I have written, I have written.” I believe this is significant because it leaves the reader wondering whether Pilate pitied Jesus, believed that he was being truthful, and someday would be a king of some sort. I believe Pilate’s role in this passion emphasized the innocence of Jesus and how there was no good reason for him to be killed. Pilate’s fear was rooted in guilt for what he was about to do and guilt for disappointing his people. I also found Jesus’ request, “I am thirsty” important. I believe this was a final reference to the Passover and the symbolism of Jesus’ blood as life-saving. I do believe this line has significance, but I am not sure my interpretation is correct. By drinking the wine, Jesus departed from His earthly life and was saved, and His death or bloodshed saved us all from sin. Finally, I believe Peter was used to symbolize humanity in these verses. Peter’s betrayal of Jesus foreshadows how humanity will relate with Jesus. We will betray and sin, yet we will always come back for forgiveness; this is revealed in Peter’s betrayal during the interaction with the high priest and then his visit to Jesus’ tomb to pay his respects.